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Do you ship to and from Mexico or plan to in the future? Then you’ll need to find a cross border freight company that can move your cargo. That said, you’ll need to look for a few characteristics to ensure you hire the right one.
Key takeaways:
Looking for these key characteristics and a few others will lead you to a cross border freight company that suits your needs.
Table of Contents
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) cargo enforcement strategy to keep U.S. borders more secure. When a company joins C-TPAT, they’ll work with CBP to identify security gaps and implement measures to keep the flow of freight safe.
The C-TPAT is a completely voluntary security program that is free to join. Cross border companies often join to promote safety and improve their reliability. In fact, there are 11,400 partners in the trade community that are in the program.
This includes:
Cross border companies that join C-TPAT will enjoy fewer CBP examinations. This will help speed up the entry process for your products. Program members also receive FAST Lane access, which allows for expedited processing for commercial carriers.
The majority of lanes are available at the U.S.-Mexico border from California to Texas. These are another time-saving resource for shipments that are considered low risk.
Related: A Guide On Shipping Freight To Mexico
It’s unlikely the truck transporting your cargo to or from Mexico will be the same one that reaches the final destination. Your cargo is going to make a stop at a few facilities along the way, so you’ll want to ensure the delays are minimal.
Cross-docking is a service that ensures freight will be transferred from inbound to outbound transport with minimal warehousing in between. Using this service will help keep your cargo flowing smoothly throughout the supply chain.
Although truck transport is the most popular way to transport Mexican freight into the U.S., there are other methods you can implement. If you plan to use truck shipping with rail, ocean, or air, then transloading is a must. Cross border freight companies that provide this service will be able to transfer your cargo between any mode you choose.
Not all cross border freight companies provide the same services. That’s why you should be clear about what you need to determine if the company you’re vetting is the right fit.
There are a variety of services you might require.
Once you know what services the cross border freight company offers, start discussing how they perform them and what logistical infrastructure they have to be successful. This will give you the assurance they can perform at your desired standards.
Goods that come from or go to Mexico will be reviewed by different federal agencies at the border. Unless you plan to handle these regulations on your own, you should find a cross border company that can get your cargo over the border.
The two primary agencies whose regulations you’ll have to follow include CBP and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
CBP is the primary federal agency that will review any imports that come from Mexico. They will classify your goods to determine their duty rate and review your entry documents.
Partner Government Agencies (PGA) assist CBP with regulating specific products. There’s a good chance your Mexican imports will be subject to regulations enforced by one or more PGAs.
Common PGAs you’ll encounter include:
The BIS enforces the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which is used to regulate goods leaving the country. Following the requirements of BIS, CBP, and any other agency regulating your goods can be difficult. Fortunately, many cross border companies enlist the help or can recommend local customs brokers to get Mexican products into the country.
At Mexico Cross Border Freight, our team of customs brokers can show you how to follow import requirements enforced by CBP and their PGAs. If it’s export clearance you need, we’ll help you find professionals in Mexico that can help.
Verify the Cost of Your ShipmentEvery cross border freight company has a slightly different cost structure. That said, it’s a good idea to figure out what you might have to pay before hiring one. There are various factors that can determine how much it will cost to ship freight to or from Mexico.
This includes:
Most logistics providers will be able to offer a custom price quote based on your individual needs. While that is extremely helpful, it is up to you to provide as much detail as possible about your needs, so there is no miscommunication that could end up as additional charges on the back end.
Don’t be afraid to ask the same question again if you’re unclear about any aspect of the shipment. A good logistics provider values you as a customer and wants your experience to be positive.
It’s essential you hire a cross border freight company with a bilingual staff. If you don’t, you’ll encounter a language barrier that will cause miscommunication. As a result, freight might be mishandled or sent to the wrong destination.
Hiring a bilingual cross border freight company will ensure there’s clear communication throughout the supply chain. They can also provide excellent customer service to your buyers and clients in Mexico.
Related:Benefits of Manufacturing In Mexico
You’ll want to know the progress of your shipment, and so will your customers. A good cross border freight company shouldn’t leave you in the dark. Look for a provider that can give you access to real time tracking as your cargo makes its way to the final destination.
Accurate tracking also provides better security for your shipments. This is especially important considering the high amount of freight thefts that occur in Mexico.
| State | Amount of Hijackings |
| Mexico State | 3,630 |
| Puebla | 2,530 |
| Michoacán | 560 |
| Jalisco | 240 |
| San Luis Potosí | 220 |
A cross border freight company that provides accurate tracking will be able to minimize the chance of freight being stolen. The technology can also quickly detect theft after it occurs.
A logistics provider can give you true door-to-door transportation management and other l useful tools to help cargo moving seamlessly.
This includes:
Thanks to the expertise and extensive network of a good cross border company, you won’t have to spend nearly as much time planning out your shipments.
If you’re tired of searching for a company that can move your freight to and from Mexico, then look no further than Mexico Cross Border Freight. There are numerous advantages and services that you’ll be able to enjoy when have us by your side.
This includes:
Experience the difference Mexico Cross Border Freight can make by calling us at (866) 335-0495 or fill out an online request for a free quote.
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